"What is the reccomended mileage interval for changing the key lock cylinder out? What is involved in doing that? Will I have to have the car re-keyed? (hope not, I have 3-4 sets of keys for it now)."

I changed mine out at about 110K due to starting to have some issues with it. It is not that difficult to do and I bought a cylinder that came with instructions how to make it work with the original key and the whole process of replacing the cylinder. Takes a little time to figure out the first time but, hey, now I am a lock smith :-) I will try to find a link to send you to where I found mine.

Here is the one I put in mine. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Focus-I...sories&vxp=mtr I chose the one with all the plates to key it to my key. Like I said, it was not a big deal. I had to read the instuctions about installing the plates a couple of times before I got it but, if you have a little mechanical apptitude, you will figure it out.

Here is the one I put in mine. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Focus-I...sories&vxp=mtr I chose the one with all the plates to key it to my key. Like I said, it was not a big deal. I had to read the instuctions about installing the plates a couple of times before I got it but, if you have a little mechanical apptitude, you will figure it out.

Good luck!

Excellent, thanks for the assistance, I appreciate that! I'll look into that.

I saw earlier in this post ford has an updated kit that eliminates this issue, I wonder if the ebay kit is ford or genaric? I also am going to buy the revised PCV hose and change that out too!

I've got a part-throttle surge issue going on and already changed out the DPFE without improvement.

The 2000-2001 Foci were plagued with a number of pattern failures. The ones you will encounter are:

1. Old style ignition lock cylinder failure. This one is only a matter of time. Replace it with new style BEFORE it seizes up and requires drilling.
2. PCV hose collapse at intake manifold. Replace with improved part #XS4Z-6N664-BA
3. Alternator pigtail failure. Solder Motorcraft P/N WPT-118 pigtail kit (1U2Z-14S411-TA) onto wiring harness
4. Front spring failure in the rust states usually near the top. Unfortunately you are over the 10yr extended warranty program on this.
5. Rear spring failure in the rust states usually near the bottom.
6. Rear wheel bearing failure. If you have rear disk brakes, this also requires replacement of the rear spindles. There was a program on this years ago. It's over now.
7. Fuel pump failure. The program on this is now over.
8. Front sway-bar end-link failure - Just replace every 5 years anyhow, they're not hard to replace or expensive.
9. Front passenger-side windshield cowling failure causing water leakage onto front passenger floor pan. Clean windshield and replace cowling.
10. Valve-cover gasket failure causing hot engine oil to leak onto the thermostat housing o-ring in turn causing that to fail. Replace VC gasket with the higher-quality Fel-Pro item.
11. DPFE sensor failure causing DTC P0401 to be set. Replace DPFE sensor with improved-design OEM unit.
12. The usual heat-shield falling off problems, again in the rust states.
13. Ignition coil primary-side pigtail failure
14. IAC valve failure causing hard warm starts.
15. Battery wiring seems to need more than the usual attention to tightness and cleanliness, particularly the grounds.
16. Passenger-side engine mount - fluid leaks out and causes excessive vibration at idle. Replace only with OEM unit.

Wow! I had almost all of those within a one year period after buying my Focus. No spring, I replaced those anyway. The worst was the lock cylinder, having to drill that out sucks. Ford told me they can't be drilled out, needed to replace the whole column. Yeah, whatever.

Add to the list the shifter solenoid if you have an automatic. I have been through 2, though my replacement was used since Ford makes you buy the whole shifter assembly. It locks your shifter, which is a hassle.

2000 is the worst year of Focus to buy, wish I knew it before I bought mine, I would have taken a pass.

This is an after market cylinder, not Ford. Mine has been on for 2 years with no issue. It was smoother operation from day 1.

Sounds good, thanks for the info.....that looks like a great kit! Aftermarket or not!

As for the 2000....i like mine a lot.....what do you expect for a nearly 13 yr old car? The difference between my focus and FIL 2000 Chevy Cavalier is night and day! The Cav is a TOTAL pos! Inside and out!

after doing all the replacements the car still wont start, it turns over but wont fire. Im replacing the battery next if it doesnt start after that I may just have it towed to the dealer and have them spend some time with it. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what it could be, I have replaced the ignition coil, pig tailed it, spark plugs and wires, is there a starter selenoid on a 5 speed eng?, I know its not the starter or else it wouldnt even give me a pulse.

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